Trails of Western Sicily 8 Days

Zingaro is Italy's first nature reserve and home to some of Sicily's most beautiful walking. Today's loop traces limestone cliffs above a series of vivid blue coves, through abandoned village ruins and endemic dwarf palm groves — in May, wildflowers make the trail extraordinary. Several coves invite a swim along the way; bring your swimwear.  Fully optional — rest days in Scopello are a perfectly valid choice too.

The walk is approximately 10.5km with 500m of ascent and descent, rated easy.

Overnight in Scopello.

Today is the only Moderate-rated stage of the trip. A transfer takes you to San Vito Lo Capo, the starting point for Monte Monaco — a limestone peak rising dramatically from the coast, with 360° views at the summit over the shoreline, islands, and open Mediterranean. The descent includes scree sections requiring careful footwork; walking poles are strongly recommended.  A transfer then delivers you to Trapani (about 40 minutes), your base for the next four nights. 

Approximately 6km, 552m ascent, 485m descent.

Overnight in Trapani

A short hydrofoil crossing (25 minutes) brings you to Levanzo — the smallest and quietest of the Egadi Islands. Today's 12km loop walks the island's rolling terrain, with the highlight being the Cave of Genovese, which contains prehistoric animal paintings estimated at 11,000–12,000 years old — one of the best-preserved examples of prehistoric cave art in the Mediterranean (guided visit required, pre-booking recommended). Lunch at a white-washed harbour café, then the afternoon ferry returns you to Trapani.

Elevation gain and loss: 434m each. 

Overnight in Trapani.

Start the morning exploring Trapani's Baroque centre — its tuna market and salt pans are worth a wander. In the afternoon, take the cable car (10 minutes) up to Erice at 750m — a medieval hilltop town perpetually touched by cloud, with cobbled lanes, a Norman castle, and famous pastry shops. Both the cable car and city tax are at your own expense. 

Explore at leisure, then either walk down (approximately 6km, 668m descent through vineyard terrain) or return by cable car.

Overnight in Trapani.

The hydrofoil to Favignana takes 40 minutes. The largest of the Egadi Islands, Favignana is known for crystalline water and its distinctive tuff stone quarries — flooded and overgrown, they create a landscape unlike anywhere else on the island. Today's 10km walk crosses the island's terrain, visits the quarry ruins, and includes the option to tour the former Florio Factory Museum (once the Mediterranean's largest tuna processing plant). Afternoon options include beach swimming or renting a bike to circle the island. Evening ferry returns to Trapani. 

Elevation: 412m up, 405m down. 

Overnight in Trapani.

Today the scene shifts. A private transfer delivers you to Segesta (approximately 30 minutes) — a Greek archaeological site perched on an isolated hilltop, containing one of Sicily's best-preserved ancient temples and a remarkably intact theatre. The Doric temple dates to the 5th century BC and is stunning from every angle; the hillside views are extraordinary. Allow 2–3 hours to explore the site (approximately 8km of walking within it). A private transfer then takes you to Palermo (40 minutes), where the afternoon is free to explore Norman palaces, Baroque churches, or the legendary street food markets. 

Overnight in Palermo

After breakfast, the itinerary concludes. Palermo Airport (PMO) is approximately 45 minutes from the city centre; buses run every 30 minutes, or a private taxi transfer is available for an additional cost. If time allows before your flight, Palermo's old city rewards a final morning wander — the Quattro Canti crossroads, the Capuchin Catacombs, and the chaotic central market (Ballarò) are among the city's most memorable experiences. Fly home with a bag full of local wines, almond pastries, and Western Sicily's best views still fresh in your eyes.